Hi, I had the Iriver IFP-195TC (unfortunately defective) and am now switched to the IFP-899. Therefore, the surprises kept (usual good navigation, etc.) within limits and so I prefer the following frequently comparisons with the predecessor model (actually IFP-300, but I had never). I opted for the IFP-899, I-AA Battery's built Lion batteries prefer and wanted a good radio. Therefore, the Ipod Shuffle difference for me out (because no radio). In addition to me a navigation display with approximately 150 songs is very important and will run for about 6 hours is unacceptable for me. Camera (See. IFP-1000) and other bells and whistles I do not want too. Thus, there was only a choice between IFP-899 and IFP 799th Technically both are equal. The only difference is the casing (size, weight (40g vs. 37g), position of the ports and buttons, as well as colors and design). Well, I have decided for the IFP-899. Iriver offers 2 types of firmware: UMS (see below) and Manager. The Manager version (standard) has matured, however, binds the player to the Iriver software. The UMS version allows the player how to use a USB flash drive. The capacity is about 1000 MB and not as might be expected 1024MB. The forums will be isolated from background noise at low volume reports, which is not the case with my player. Strengths / Pros: + Normal Mignon battery (widely available and easily replaceable) + Very good display (Blue Backlight - better than IFP-195TC) + Long Duration + Very good (neck) strap (Better than closure IFP-195TC) + Very good radio (for a headphone cable antenna) + OGG (not all bit rates) / MP3 / ASF / WMA playback + Carrying Case fits (All keys u. Connections accessible, while IFP-195TC was the hold button is not accessible) + Housing makes to be more stable (up to Battery cover below) as the IFP-195TC + Very many options (especially EQ) + Clock + Micro (voice recorder) + Radio recordings (also controlled by timer possible) + Line-In (it rarely does) Weaknesses / Cons: - The battery cover is easy to unintentionally to (Was the IFP-195TC much better solved) ==> Carrying Case duty - Still no playlists (only one manually in the player buildable) but reduces a good folder structure + sortable Position this disadvantage, so that these playlists can almost erstezen - No selection of the next song - Massive / greater than IFP-195TC - Player is still not being supplied with power via USB ==> Cost unnecessary battery and enriches the Firmware upgrade unnecessary Way to be a risk factor to - USB2.0 is far from being exhausted (transfer at more max. USB1.1) - Sometimes the player repression ended unexpectedly while the Playback from. ==> Remove the battery and reseat (reset) Had I but so far only one "VBR MP3 + EQ Normal" - Cap for Line-in is required - Wristband included (compared to IFP-195TC) Weaknesses / minuses (UMS Firmware): - Restricted bit rate when recording - Is no longer recognized by the Iriversoftware ==> Firmware Updates cumbersome ==> Radio lists no longer transferable Conclusion: Empfehlenswerter player with some Swachstellen. In particular, the battery compartment is annoying. Many problems are probably due to firmware updates to eliminate, but they were partly already talking about the Predecessors and I have, therefore, little hope Improvement. Nevertheless, it is one of the best Flash Player currently on the market, if you like Preferences, like I did. (Radio and AA battery). Therefore, only 4 out of 5 stars.
